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As the Super Eagles Prepare for AFCON 2024

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By Kunle Famoriyo

It is just a few days to the kick-off of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d Ivoire. The question on the lip of every Nigerian therefore, is whether the Super Eagles can replicate their 1994 and 2013 prowess to win their fourth AFCON title. Can the present crop of players, managed by Portuguese born Jose Peseiro, conquer the African continent?

The performance of the Super Eagles since Coach Peseiro took charge has been worrisome to say the least.

Recall that many years ago, the national team was a force to reckon with. The mention of the Nigerian national team, no matter the category, creates fear in the hearts of the opponents. Nigeria was like Goliath to the Israelites but today, we cannot even bite small nations like Zimbabwe and Lesotho with the array of stars in our squad. The present squad has a very potent attack in the guise of Victor Osimhen, Boniface, Chukwueze, Lookman, Sadiq, among others. These boys are dangerous on a good day, but can they find the rhythm that will deliver the coveted trophy to the more than 200 million expectant Nigerians on February 11, 2024, when the tournament will anchor. Wait and see is the watchword!

It is sad however, that Wilfred Ndidi will miss the tournament due to injury, and the presence of Iheanacho is not guaranteed. A very good attack needs a solid defence like the “Rock of Gibraltar” and a coordinated midfield. Does our team have what it takes?

Equatorial Guinea is waiting for us on the 14th of January, Ivory Coast on the 18th, and Guinea Bissau on the 22nd. Can the Eagles devour their preys?

Some of our players have been doing well for their clubs, but can they replicate the performance at AFCON 2023? The inclusion of only one home-based player (Olorunleke Ojo) of Enyimba FC to the AFCON squad is an indication that Peseiro does not have faith in our professional league, and does not want to develop it. There are good players in the country, but they are not being considered for the national team, which is a big slap on NPFL.

The journey to capture our fourth title begins in a couple of days and to have a successful competition, the NFF and the Ministry for Sports must work together with the team, providing every necessary support to encourage excellence. This is not the time to interfere with the selection of players for a particular match. Match bonuses should be paid when due. A repeat of what happened before the last women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand should be avoided.

Meanwhile, I, as well as other Nigerians, were excited to see Nigerian table tennis star, Quadri Aruna, coming from two sets down to defeat Hugo Calderano of Brazil, to qualify for the quarter-final of the WTT at Doha. He exhibited the Nigerian spirit of ” l can do it”. In the same vein, I much believe that if all hands are on deck, and the players play all the matches without complacency no African nation, no matter how experienced, will challenge them. Then, victory will be ours. Nigeria, argubly have the best players on the continent presently,  and that status is expected to reflect in all their games.

It is time for Nigeria to be the African Champion again!

Famoriyo Adekunle writes from Lagos

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American Heavyweight Boxer, George Foreman, Dies at 76

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American heavyweight boxing legend, George Foreman, has died at the age of 76.

According to his family, Foreman died peacefully surrounded by loved ones at a hospital in Houston on Friday night. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

In a statement shared on social media, the family praised Foreman’s legacy and requested privacy as they mourn the former Olympic gold medalist who later became an ordained preacher and founded the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas.

“Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones,” the statement reads.

“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.

“A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family.

“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”

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2025: Again, Kenyan, Ethiopian Athletes Win Lagos City Marathon

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The 2025 edition of the annual 42km 2024 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has been once again dominated by East African runners from Kenya and Ethiopia.

Kenya’s Edwin Kibet on Saturday emerged winner in the men category, clocking a time of 2:14:06 to win the $50,000 price money.

Kibet came third last year behind his compatriot Bernard Sang who won it with a time of 02:16:49 and another Kenyan Cheprot who came second.

It is Kibet’s second win in the competition following his first victory in the 2023 edition.

In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa emerged victorious clocking a time of 2:37:04 for her first win in the competition.

First Nigerian to finish the race, Nyango Gyang Boyi, made history by finishing in the to 10 positions.

He finished the race in 8th place, clocking a time 2:25:41.58 which will earn him a prize award of $4,000. As the first Nigerian to finish the race, Boyi also won the N2million top prize in the Nigerian category.

The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was also one of the participants in this year’s Lagos City Marathon.

The 42km race commenced at Western Avenue, in front of the National Stadium Surulere, and finished in front of Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island.

This year’s edition of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon had thousands of runners competing for the top prize.

The annual event was to a gold label by the World Athletics in 2023 less than eight years after its first edition.

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NFF Unveils New Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled the newly appointed coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle.

The event held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Monday where sports enthusiasts and practitioners gathered to welcome the 47-year-old Franco-Malian citizen.

Chelle’s appointment was confirmed last Tuesday by the NFF Executive Committee, following a recommendation from its Technical and Development Committee.

The NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to lead the Super Eagles to new heights.

“We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about football, which is why there have been different reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle,” Gusau said on Sunday.

“However, the NFF appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles.”

Gusau further assured Nigerians that the Federation would provide the necessary backing to ensure Chelle’s success.

“The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job,” he added.

Chelle’s first challenge will be leading the Super Eagles B at the upcoming African Nations Championship in East Africa next month.

Chelle’s first challenge will be leading the Super Eagles B at the upcoming African Nations Championship in East Africa next month.

After that, the focus will shift to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with crucial matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.

According to the statement, Chelle brings a wealth of experience to the role, having guided Mali’s Aiglons to the brink of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

He recently left his position at Algerian club MC Oran, where he had been managing the 1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists, to accept the Super Eagles job.

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